Three in a Row! U of Montana Wins Another National Service Award

Being the top ranked university in the nation for anything positive is extremely noteworthy.

But when you win the same honor three years in a row? Well, that's a dynasty!

UM News Service tells us that for the University of Montana has, for the third consecutive year, been named the top ranked university in the country for community and national service. The ranking identifies universities across the nation for their concentration of students and alumni who participate in community and national service.

The annual community and national service rankings are conducted by Washington Monthly, a publication that studies colleges and universities on numerous outputs. The publication rates universities based on their contribution to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility, research and promoting public service.

The methodology also involves student voter registration, the volume of degrees awarded in service areas and a university’s ability to produce leaders in socially valuable fields.

What really jumps out for UM to be able to secure the top spot is students’ active involvement in the University’s Military and Veteran Service Office, Peace Corps and volunteer activities. UM students also enroll and graduate from academic programs that provide career training in some of the most high-demand public service fields like education, health care, counseling, social work and law.

QUOTING THE PRESIDENT

In reacting to the "three-peat," University of Montana President Seth Bodnar was quoted as saying, "This ranking confirms what we know to be true: UM students and alumni continuously outperform their peers in the fields of community, national and military service. As Grizzlies, we are united by our passion to give back, serve and do our part to address the most pressing challenges facing our society.”

President Bodnar says he is confident that UM will continue to secure the top ranking for community and national service for a fourth year in a row next year, specifically due to the priority the institution puts on service.

“From the moment they arrive for orientation to the day they receive their diploma, our students have access to unmatched service and community building opportunities.

“That is one of the values of a UM education that set us apart from everyone else.”

Congrats to all those community-minded Griz!